GEORGE E. KILLIAN, president of the International University Sport Federation (FISU), highly praised Shenzhen for its efforts to promote and prepare for the 2011 Universiade during his visit to the city’s exhibition in Beijing on Thursday.
“It means a lot to hold such an exhibition during the Olympic Games because the world begins to learn about Shenzhen and the 2011 Universiade. Being part of the Beijing Olympic Games, Shenzhen will also learn for the Universiade,” said Killian, accompanied by his wife Marilyn.
“Beijing held the Universiade in 2001 which was a very good one in the history of the event and I think it helped Beijing in holding an excellent Olympic Games,” said Killian.
Killian was impressed by the Universiade slogan “Starts Here,” which shows the value of Shenzhen as a pioneer city in China in the face of globalization. He said he loved one of the candidate mascots shown on Shenzhen government’s Web site. “Most Universiade mascots have been birds, and it will be very special to have a mascot with Shenzhen characteristics,” he said.
Fifteen candidate mascots have been designed and the public is now being invited to vote for its favorite. The result will be announced in October after approval is given by the Organizing Committee of the 26th Summer Universiade, China University Sports Federation and the FISU.
Killian will stay in Beijing until Aug. 15. Apart from visiting Shenzhen’s exhibition, Killian said he would watch the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games and would also like to watch the basketball match between China and the United States. (Editor:Xue Jianhua)